Leg Pain After Sitting or Standing

If you experience leg pain after standing or sitting for an extended period of time, it could indicate venous congestion, a condition caused by the buildup of fluid in the veins. As the heart pumps, arteries move oxygenated blood from the heart throughout the body, helping it to reach each extremity before it travels back towards the heart. It is then the responsibility of the vein to carry blood back to the heart. Veins rely on movements of the muscles to continuously transport blood throughout the body.

Throughout this process, it is essential that blood moves the correct way. Each vein has a series of tiny valves that prevents the backward flow of blood. If the valves are weakened or are not working properly, then blood pools in the extremities like the legs, feet or fingers. Standing or sitting without some flexing or movement of the muscles can lead to stagnation of fluids in the veins.

To Prevent Blood from Pooling, Keep Moving!

As the valves weaken and cease functioning, blood may pool enough to distend veins causing bulging varicose veins. These in turn can aggravate venous congestion and worsen leg pain. The incidence of leg pain in Cartersville, Georgia, and throughout the United States is increasing as the population ages.

Leg pain is generally felt as a burning or cramping sensation, especially in the calf muscles. Long periods of sitting or standing make the pain worse, as blood pools in the veins. Factors that increase the likelihood of venous congestion include obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

Any new pain should be mentioned to your doctor who can do a thorough examination to determine the cause. If it is due to venous congestion, wearing compression hose can help alleviate the pain and lessen accompanying varicose or spider veins.Resting with the legs elevated above the heart helps blood return to the heart, and increasing physical activity keeps the muscles working and the blood flowing through the veins. Both of these actions can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins.